Vows for Vets

PLEASE NOTE we have closed the application period for the 2017 event. Please follow @CeremoniesByKatherine for event updates. Thank you!

Welcome! We are so excited you are interested in participating in our Second Annual Vows for Vets event.

FREE wedding ceremonies and vow renewals for all of those serving, or who have served in any branch of the United States military. Located at Garner’s premier wedding venue with beautiful outdoor and indoor ceremony spaces. Couples will receive professional photos of their ceremony at no cost.

Please read all of the important information below before following the link to apply. Spaces will be filled on a first come, first served basis, so please do not wait to apply.

Three Main Requirements to Participate:

Service in the Armed Forces is required. One or both of you must be serving, or have served, in any branch of the United States Military, including Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserves. You must be able to verify this with a military ID, your membership card to the American Legion or VFW, or with the word “Veteran” on your current NC Driver’s License.

For marriage ceremonies, you must possess a valid marriage license issued in any county in the state of North Carolina within 60 days of 11/10/17. For vow renewals, you must provide a certified copy of your original marriage license (from any state) to verify your marital status.

We are unable to write custom ceremonies for each couple. You will have a choice of a standard religious (Christian non-denominational) or non-religious ceremony. We invite you to read your own vows if desired. If you have a specific religious need or requirement, please note it on your application. We will do our best to accommodate you, although we cannot guarantee it.

Please note that each couple is limited to TEN (10) guests. This is very important due to the space and parking available to us.

In North Carolina the marriage license must be signed by two witnesses over the age of 18. There will be witnesses on site to sign marriage licenses if the couple does not wish to bring their own.

There will be a professional photographer available to capture images from your ceremony and formal shots following the ceremony. Couples may choose FOUR (4) high-resolution images to be delivered digitally at no cost to them. There will be information available on how to purchase additional images if desired.

The venue, officiant, and photographer are being provided. We will also have a bouquet and boutonniere available for each couple, as well as wooden “We do!” and “We still do!” signs for photo props. If the couple desires any other props for their pictures, they must provide it.

On the application you will be able to select your preferred 30-minute time slot between the hours of 11am and 3pm (staggered at 15-minute intervals). Time slots are available on a first come, first served basis. We will confirm your application and time slot within 7 days of your application.

Verification of ID and Marriage License will be requested before you are confirmed for the event and given a time slot. You will be asked to send a picture, scan, or copy of each via email. Please note that you can cover or black out any personal information you do not wish to share, as long as photo, names, and marriage license issue date are visible. Both parties are asked to bring their ID on the day of the event, as well as their valid NC marriage license, or certified copy of original marriage certificate (vow renewals).

There will be options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies at the Rand-Bryan House. In the case of inclement weather, all ceremonies will be held indoors, or on the covered porch of the house.

Those wishing to make donations may do so on the day of the event. All donations will go to the Veteran’s Relief Fund of South Wake County VFW 10225 and Garner American Legion Post 232.